GTA 6 Release Delayed Before Announcement

Rockstar Games has officially announced the release date for GTA 6, but fans will need to wait a bit longer as the game's launch has been pushed back to 2026. This article delves into the reasons behind the delay and its impact on the gaming industry.

GTA 6 Release Date Announced

Coming on May 26, 2026

Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6) has been eagerly anticipated by fans worldwide, especially since the release of its first trailer. After a prolonged period of silence, Rockstar Games finally unveiled the release date for GTA 6, which deviates from initial expectations.

On May 2, via a Twitter (X) post, Rockstar Games confirmed that GTA 6 will launch on May 26, 2026. This announcement came as a surprise, particularly after Take-Two Interactive's Q3 2025 earnings call where they expressed confidence in a Fall 2025 release.

Rockstar Games issued an apology for the delay, expressing gratitude for the fans' patience and emphasizing their commitment to delivering a high-quality product. They stated, "We hope you understand that we need this extra time to deliver at the level of quality you expect and deserve." Further details about the game are expected to be shared soon.

Take-Two Interactive Fully Supports Rockstar Games’ Decision

Take-Two Interactive has expressed full support for Rockstar Games' decision to extend the development timeline for GTA 6. In a statement released on their website on May 2, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick shared his perspective on the adjusted launch date.

He remarked, "We support fully Rockstar Games taking additional time to realize their creative vision for Grand Theft Auto VI, which promises to be a groundbreaking, blockbuster entertainment experience that exceeds audience expectations."

This adjustment aligns with Take-Two's previous statements about potential overlapping release dates among their titles. Just last week, Gearbox Entertainment, another subsidiary of Take-Two, announced that Borderlands 4 would launch two weeks earlier. Speculation arose that this move was in response to GTA 6's release window, but Gearbox has clarified that the change was not influenced by other games.

Despite the shifting release schedules, Take-Two remains committed to delivering excellence. They stated, "As we continue to release our phenomenal pipeline, we expect to deliver a multi-year period of growth in our business and enhanced value for our shareholders."

Devolver Digital Remains Adamant in Releasing a Game Same Day with GTA 6

In response to GTA 6's new release date, Cult of the Lambs publisher Devolver Digital has decided to launch one of their games on the same day, May 26, 2026. Devolver Digital announced this via a Twitter (X) post on May 2, boldly stating, "You can’t escape us."

Back in March, Devolver Digital had already declared their intention to release a game simultaneously with GTA 6. They have not yet disclosed which game will face off against GTA 6, leaving fans to speculate whether it will be a sequel to popular titles like Cult of the Lambs, Enter the Gungeon, or Hotline Miami, or perhaps a new intellectual property.

Meanwhile, other developers and publishers are planning to avoid clashing with GTA 6's release window. According to The Game Business Show in March, several anonymous game executives indicated their willingness to delay their games to steer clear of GTA 6's launch.

Despite the delay, excitement for GTA 6 remains high. Grand Theft Auto VI is now scheduled for release on May 26, 2026, on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Stay tuned to our updates for the latest news on this highly anticipated title.